Cheap Apartments for Rent in the Downtown DC Neighborhood of Washington, DC from $700 (162 Rentals)

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Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the Downtown DC area of Washington.

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555
$1,246 - $4,586
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,246 - $4,586
Total Monthly Price
$1,246 - $4,586
Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

555

555 E St SWWashington, DC 20024
Affordability
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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

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The DC Housing Strategy: Balancing Career & Lifestyle Near Top Washington DC Area Employers

Renting in the D.C. area? Explore Takoma, Brookland, Glover Park, Charles Village, and more. Find a convenient, high-quality home near your major employer.

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The Baystate
$1,525 - $2,250
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,525 - $2,250
Total Monthly Price
$1,525 - $2,250
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Baystate

1701 Mass Ave NWWashington, DC 20036
Student Housing
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The Iris
Rent Specials
$1,529 - $4,030
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$1,529 - $4,030
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

The Iris

7 M St NEWashington, DC 20002
Student Housing
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Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between

Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

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property at 1101 3rd St SW

$1,595 - $1,850

Studio To 1 Bedroom Rentals

Available Now

1101 3rd St SW

WashingtonDC20024
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Modern on M
Rent Specials
$1,611 - $8,033
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$1,611 - $8,033
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Modern on M

465 M St SWWashington, DC 20024
Corporate Housing
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Banner Lane
$1,615 - $4,620
Total Monthly Price

Total Monthly Price

Base Rent
$1,615 - $4,620
Total Monthly Price
$1,615 - $4,620
Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Banner Lane

44 Banner LnWashington, DC 20001
Transit Friendly
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Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls

When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

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Wakefield Hall
$1,650 - $1,740
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Total Monthly Price

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$1,650 - $1,740
Total Monthly Price
$1,650 - $1,740
Studio to 1 Bedroom Apartments Contact Us For Availability

Wakefield Hall

2101 New Hampshire Ave NWWashington, DC 20009
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Gallery 64
$1,662 - $9,764
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$1,662 - $9,764
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Studio to 3 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Gallery 64

64 H St SWWashington, DC 20024
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Collection 14
$1,685 - $4,397
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$1,685 - $4,397
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Studio to 2 Bedroom Apartments Available Now

Collection 14

1400 W St NWWashington, DC 20009
Transit Friendly
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Discover DC: The Insider's Guide to Renting in Our Nation's Capital

Explore Washington DC like a local with this insider's guide to renting in the Nation's Capital. Explore the area's best neighborhoods, hidden gems, and diverse, delicious food scene.

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Downtown DC, Washington, DC Local Guide

Cheapest Available Downtown DC Apartments for Rent

 

The cheapest available apartment rental in the Downtown DC area of Washington, DC is a 1 Bed unit found at R Street Apartments priced from $825. King Towers has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $947. Here are the most affordable Downtown DC apartments for rent in Washington, DC:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPriced From
R Street Apartments1BR1BR,1BA$825
King TowersStudioStudio,1BA$947
555Senior Housing S2Studio,1BA$1,246
Liberty PlaceStudio BStudio,1BA$1,362
801 R Street ApartmentsOne Bedroom1BR,1BA$1,400
State House ApartmentsEFFStudio,1BA$1,408
1500 MassFPB 423Studio,1BA$1,470
Channing E Phillips Homes1 Bedroom Jr.1BR,1BA$1,475
The Lex at WaterfrontAffordable Studio ADU-LexStudio,1BA$1,489

Best Value Apartments for Rent in Downtown DC, DC

As of April 20, 2026 the best value apartment in the Downtown DC area is the $2.25 price per square foot 1 Bed 1 Bath Model at The Biltmore Apartments in the in the Lanier Heights neighborhood starting from $2,499. The second greatest value Downtown DC apartment is the 402 M Street NW Model at 402 M Street NW, Unit Apt C starting at $2,499 with a $2.27 price per square foot in the Mount Vernon Square neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for Downtown DC apartments based on price per square foot:

Apartment ListingModel NameBed/BathPrice Per Sq.Ft.
The Biltmore Apartments1 Bed 1 Bath1BR,1BA$2.25
402 M Street NW, Unit Apt C402 M Street NW1BR,1BA$2.27
84 Q St NW, Unit #B84 Q St NW2BR,2BA$2.45
2009 Flagler Pl NW, Unit B2009 Flagler Pl NW1BR,1BA$1.80
2014 1st St NW, Unit 2014 1st St NW BMNT2014 1st St NW2BR,2BA$2.30
1802 2nd St NW, Unit B1802 2nd St NW1BR,1BA$2.39
75 Florida Ave NW, Unit 175 Florida Ave NW3BR,1.5BA$1.41
124 Q St NW, Unit 4124 Q St NW2BR,1BA$2.25
1304 N Capitol St NW, Unit A1304 N Capitol St NW1BR,1BA$2.10
The Remington ApartmentsFurnished Private Room in 3 bed/1 bath Apt3BR,1BA$1.89

10 Hidden Costs of Renting You Should Budget for Before Signing a Lease

Avoid financial stress when renting. Learn about the 10 most common hidden costs—from pet fees to utilities—you must budget for before you sign a lease.

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Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money

Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.

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Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting

Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

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Rent Smart in Washington DC: Best Neighborhoods to Rent for University Students

Discover the top neighborhoods for university students to rent in Washington D.C. Find affordable, convenient, and vibrant areas near major campuses on ApartmentHomeLiving.com.

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How much rent can you afford?

The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.

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Pet Friendly Lifestyle
Downtown Dc, Washington, DC

Ranked #2

Among cities in District of Columbia for Apartment listings with Pet Friendly Amenities.

Pet Friendliness Lifestyle Score

4.0
Pet Friendly

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Best Local Schools in
Downtown Dc, Washington, DC

School data provided by Great Schools

Lifestyle Ratings

ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals and neighborhoods across the USA, including Downtown DC, Washington, and the greater Washington area. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including rankings of the best places for easy access to the parks, luxury amenities, family-friendly amenities, raising pets, transit options, and other valuable search options. Find Lifestyle Search in the filter options (above). Happy Searching!

Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap Downtown DC Apartments

What is a cheap apartment in Downtown DC?

A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in Downtown DC is under $1,489.

What is the price of a cheap apartment in Downtown DC?

The cheapest apartment in Downtown DC is R Street Apartments which is listed at $825, while the average apartment in Downtown DC costs $22,773.

What types of apartments are the cheapest in Downtown DC?

Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 550 regular apartments in Downtown DC that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.

How do the prices of cheap apartments compare to the average apartment in Downtown DC?

Cheap apartments in Downtown DC have an average cost of $870 which is $21,903 cheaper than the average rent for all rentals in Downtown DC.

Expert Rental Resources

The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.

Helpful Local Expert Guides

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A Washington DC Local Expert's Guide to Top Affordable Neighborhoods for Renters in the DC Metro

Written by: Steve Lilly

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, DC.

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Rent Smart in Washington DC: Best Neighborhoods to Rent for University Students

Written by: Steve Lilly

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, DC.

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The DC Housing Strategy: Balancing Career & Lifestyle Near Top Washington DC Area Employers

Written by: Steve Lilly

I'm Steve, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, D.C.

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Discover DC: The Insider's Guide to Renting in Our Nations Capital

Written by: Steve Lilly

Greetings from Washington, DC! I'm Stephen, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com Local Expert for Washington, and I'd love to give you the inside scoop on a city that many people only think of in terms of visiting, not living in.

Articles, How-To's, and Tips

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What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much

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This article draws from first-hand renter experiences and recurring financial challenges reported after moving in.

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Maximizing Your Refund: Essential Tax Tips for Renters

Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.

Other than tax professionals, I can’t think of anyone who looks forward to tax season. For everybody else, April is a stressful month to collect information and meet deadlines.

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18 Must-Ask Rental Tour Questions That Reveal the Truth about a Property

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Renting your next home can feel thrilling and overwhelming at the same time.

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A Renters Guide for Tips on Writing Your Notice for Not Renewing Your Apartment

Written by: Bob Mallory

Packing up everything you own to move is so stressful for many that ending your apartment lease can feel like a small or unimportant task. Ending your lease involves more than simply turning over your keys on the last day.